ron_and_nakita
New Member
I have a 1983 chevy eldardo with a 350 in it that i might be looking at getting a new engine in it,should i stay with the same size engine or go with a bigger engine???
350 engine
- Thread starter ron_and_nakita
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TexasClodhopper
Senior Member
Re: 350 engine
Hello, ron_and_nakita!
I don't know how big and heavy a "1983 chevy eldardo" is, but bigger is always better! As long as you can live with the gas mileage and increase in horsepower.
Hello, ron_and_nakita!
I don't know how big and heavy a "1983 chevy eldardo" is, but bigger is always better! As long as you can live with the gas mileage and increase in horsepower.
Grandview Trailer Sa
Senior Member
Re: 350 engine
I always thought that was a Cadillac.
I always thought that was a Cadillac.
Re: 350 engine
The 350 is a pretty good engine. If it has worked for you, replacing it with the same thing would probably be easiest and cheapest. However, if you need more power, you can see what can be fitted into the vehicle. Room in the engine compartment, computer interconnections with the vehicle, cooling requirements, mounting points and the power handling capability of the rest of the drive train all need to be considered.
The 350 is a pretty good engine. If it has worked for you, replacing it with the same thing would probably be easiest and cheapest. However, if you need more power, you can see what can be fitted into the vehicle. Room in the engine compartment, computer interconnections with the vehicle, cooling requirements, mounting points and the power handling capability of the rest of the drive train all need to be considered.
s.harrington
Senior Member
Re: 350 engine
If your unit is 24 feet or longer, I would see about a larger (400 or 454) engine. The 350 would be over worked and would give you lower fuel economy(maybe 6-8 mpg instead of 10). The 454 would give you much more power but would over kill in a 22 foot or shorter. So if you are somewhere in that middle range go for the 400. My Eldorado was a ford with a 302 but it was 19 by 7 1/2 with a 1 ton chassi under it. It only got 9 mpg.
If your unit is 24 feet or longer, I would see about a larger (400 or 454) engine. The 350 would be over worked and would give you lower fuel economy(maybe 6-8 mpg instead of 10). The 454 would give you much more power but would over kill in a 22 foot or shorter. So if you are somewhere in that middle range go for the 400. My Eldorado was a ford with a 302 but it was 19 by 7 1/2 with a 1 ton chassi under it. It only got 9 mpg.
Re: 350 engine
okay, here's a smallblock lesson. a 350 and a 400 are basically the same motor.in fact everything chevy v8 260-400 are the same. the only difference is in the power combos. most 400's have the same or less hprsepower than a stock 350.it varies according to the specific engine and application. example 78 camaro -LT v8 350- 175 hp, same car inz28 model 270 hp. you may want to buy an upgraded 350 from Gm or a good performance shop. there are pretty good prices on mild 350's..i would think 300hp would move you pretty good. if you go up to a bigblock, you will be spending alot more money on suspension changes, transmission,ect
okay, here's a smallblock lesson. a 350 and a 400 are basically the same motor.in fact everything chevy v8 260-400 are the same. the only difference is in the power combos. most 400's have the same or less hprsepower than a stock 350.it varies according to the specific engine and application. example 78 camaro -LT v8 350- 175 hp, same car inz28 model 270 hp. you may want to buy an upgraded 350 from Gm or a good performance shop. there are pretty good prices on mild 350's..i would think 300hp would move you pretty good. if you go up to a bigblock, you will be spending alot more money on suspension changes, transmission,ect
s.harrington
Senior Member
Re: 350 engine
The Corvett had a 350HP 350 in the early 70's but you need torque when towing and you get more torque out of a larger engine. I would upgrade if possible to a newer truck with the overdrive tranny and the larger engine with fuel injection just to get the better fuel economy(15mpg vs. 10mpg based on 2500 series). Or maybe go with an older dodge deisel.
The Corvett had a 350HP 350 in the early 70's but you need torque when towing and you get more torque out of a larger engine. I would upgrade if possible to a newer truck with the overdrive tranny and the larger engine with fuel injection just to get the better fuel economy(15mpg vs. 10mpg based on 2500 series). Or maybe go with an older dodge deisel.
